Blog Topic: Government

In the Loop: Land Trust Wants to Protect Oconee Farm

By Lee Becker | May 16, 2014 12:05pm

The Athens Land Trust is processing paperwork to submit the Oconee County farm of Carole Ludwig for protection following an announcement earlier this month that the federal government is accepting applications under the new Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.

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Culture Briefs: This Rain Barrel Looks Like a PBR Can

By Blake Aued | May 15, 2014 2:40pm

The Athens-Clarke County Water Conservation Office announced the winner of the 2014 Roll Out the Barrels competition yesterday, and he's Andrew Lentini, who made a rain barrel that looks like… a can of PBR, the official beverage of Athens.*

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In the Loop: Paul Broun Wants to Get You High

By Blake Aued | May 8, 2014 12:56pm

As long as you have a medical condition that can be treated with marijuana, that is.

Athens Rep. Paul Broun (who's also running in the Republican U.S. Senate primary) said Wednesday that he plans to offer an amendment to the Commerce-Justice-Science appropriations bill when it comes to the House floor that would bar federal prosecution of patients who are approved to use medical marijuana under state law. In other words:

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In the Loop: The Health Sciences Bus Is Safe for Now

By Blake Aued | May 7, 2014 4:14pm

Athens-Clarke County commissioners spared the popular Health Sciences bus Tuesday night when they approved a contract with the University of Georgia.

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In the Loop: More Money Needed for Courthouse Security

By Lee Becker | April 29, 2014 4:44pm

T.J. BeMent, court administrator for the 10th Judicial Administrative District of Georgia, told the Board of Commissioners that the $2.7 million it is considering for courthouse security improvements from the 2004 SPLOST may not be enough, and additional money may need to be taken from the 2015 SPLOST.

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In the Loop: Mayor Nancy Denson Releases Boring 2015 Budget

By Blake Aued | April 29, 2014 11:21am

As befits an election year, Mayor Nancy released a budget Monday that is unlikely to offend anyone. There are no cuts to Athens Transit or Leisure Services programs, nor is there much beyond the status quo.

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In the Loop: Legalize Pot, Education for Undocumented Students

By Blake Aued | April 28, 2014 2:47pm

At two dueling protests in downtown Athens on Monday, activists agitated for legalizing marijuana and for undocumented immigrants to be allowed to attend the University of Georgia.

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In the Loop: Voice Your Opinion About Oconee SPLOST

By Lee Becker | April 28, 2014 10:57am

Photo Credit: Lee Becker

Bubber Wilkes, who's running against Commissioner Margaret Hale, says a vote for Bubber is a vote for tennis courts.

Oconee County citizens get another chance tomorrow night to tell members of the Board of Commissioners what projects they want on the referendum for the 2015 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.

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In the Loop: Oconee Challengers Favor Liquor Sales

By Lee Becker | April 25, 2014 11:57am

John Larkin. Photo credit: Lee Becker.

Oconee County voters will get a chance to vote on liquor by the drink if two of the challengers to incumbents John Daniell and Margaret Hale are successful in the May 20 Republican primary.

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In the Loop: Where Can You Drink and Not Get Shot?

By Blake Aued | April 24, 2014 10:49am

Gov. Nathan Deal signed House Bill 60, the "guns everywhere" bill, on Wednesday.

Starting July 1, guns will be allowed in bars (unless the owner specifically, uh, bars them), schools (if school boards arm employees), churches (if congregations say so) and government buildings (unless local governments provide security). And convicted felons who are carrying guns illegally can invoke "stand your ground" if they shoot you.

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